Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Silent Grey

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Grey highlights the diverse needs of users. The Grape Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, making it an excellent option for those who engage in lengthy typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and promotes a swift keystroke experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, provides a satisfying keystroke with its distinct tactile bump, all while maintaining a quiet operation—an appealing feature for anyone working in shared spaces or late-night gaming sessions. While the Grape Orange excels in seamless, unhindered typing, the Silent Grey caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback without the clicky noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing preferences.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Grey exhibit notable similarities in their housing materials, contributing to their acoustic profiles and aesthetic features. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is instrumental in producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, ideal for users who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switches when paired with RGB lighting, making both models suitable for those who want a combination of sound quality and dynamic aesthetics.

On the lower end, both switches employ nylon in their bottom housing, which significantly influences the overall typing experience. Nylon’s inherent properties—being a softer plastic—yield a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contrasts with the brightness of polycarbonate. This combination means that while the top housing contributes to sound clarity and resonance upon releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in modulating the bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, users will find that the Grape Orange and Silent Grey deliver a balanced auditory experience, blending the crispness of the polycarbonate with the warmth and depth provided by the nylon.

In conclusion, the shared materials in the housing of both switches result in a refined and coherent sound profile that enhances the typing experience, despite their distinctive characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing ensures a bright sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing provides a satisfying depth when bottoming out. Therefore, although the switches may have their own unique attributes, users can expect similar auditory experiences when using either the Grape Orange or the Silent Grey, making them excellent choices for those looking to optimize their mechanical keyboard setups.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming due to the reduced effort required. In contrast, the Silent Grey has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. This difference means that users of the Grape Orange will find it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue, while those using the Silent Grey may appreciate the tactile feedback and resistance it offers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if one favors a lighter touch, the Grape Orange is the better option, whereas those seeking a firmer typing experience will prefer the heavier Silent Grey.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey, which adheres more closely to the traditional switch design of 4.0 mm. A shorter travel distance, like that of the Grape Orange, is often preferred by gamers who seek quicker response times, providing a more responsive feel during fast-paced gameplay. In contrast, the Silent Grey's longer travel distance may appeal to users who favor a deeper, more pronounced keystroke, allowing for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is relatively subdued, contributing to a quieter typing experience, although the lack of specific auditory characteristics in this description prevents a definitive analysis. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to be quiet while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback due to its tactile bump. This makes the Silent Grey a great option for users who appreciate the sound of a tactile switch but still want to minimize noise, which can be particularly beneficial in shared environments.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing sensation, requiring only a 40g actuation force. This lightness makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer rapid typing or those who may experience finger fatigue during long sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey switch features a pronounced tactile bump, providing a distinct resistance at the actuation point which many users find satisfying. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience for those who enjoy feeling the switch's response as they type, making it perfect for those who prioritize feedback over mere lightness.

In conclusion, while the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to different typing preferences, both offer unique benefits. The Grape Orange excels in providing an effortless and quiet typing experience, making it suitable for extended use, while the Silent Grey stands out with its tactile feedback and minimal noise, appealing to users who enjoy both the sensation of a bump and the advantages of quieter operation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lightweight linear feel or a satisfying tactile response in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lightweight, smooth, and effortless typing experience—especially during extended typing sessions—the Grape Orange is your go-to option with its 40g actuation force and 50g bottom-out force, allowing for rapid and fluid keystrokes. This can be particularly useful for tasks like long-form writing or coding where speed and endurance are essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback experience with a more deliberate keystroke, the Silent Grey switch may be more appropriate for you. Its 65g bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels should be minimized, such as in an office or a shared workspace. Therefore, consider your typing habits and environment carefully; choosing based on these factors will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more